James Brokenshire becomes Secretary of State for Housing

James Brokenshire (pictured) will be the Secretary of State for Housing after Sajid Javid left the position to become Home Secretary.

Javid led the response to Grenfell Tower tragedy and was involved in the government’s target of delivering on 300,000 new homes in England by the mid-2020s.

Brokenshire was minister for Security and Immigration in 2014 then became Northern Ireland Secretary in 2016 but resigned in January when diagnosed with early stage lung cancer. He then had the upper lobe of his right lung removed.

Charles McDowell, Aldermore’s commercial director, mortgages, said: “We welcome James Brokenshire to his new position as Secretary of State for Housing.

“It is a hugely important job and Sajid Javid has made good strides in tackling some of the big issues impacting the housing market and increasing its profile . We would urge the new Secretary of State to continue the work of his predecessor.

“Housing is an important issue, if not one of the most important issues facing our country. This is a problem that has been created over the long term by constantly applying short term sticking plasters and announcing yet more consultations. It can only be solved with long term strategic thinking.

“We have been clear that the government must prioritise the building of homes in the right places with infrastructure and facilities in order that we have the houses that are desperately needed. We look forward to working with the new Secretary of State.”

Brokenshire tweeted: “Honoured to have been asked by the Prime Minister to serve as Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government. Looking forward to taking the government’s agenda forward especially on building the homes our country needs.”